The European Chemical Emergency Network, in short ECHEMNET, is a research project partially funded by the European Commission as part of the Executive Agancy for Health and Cosumers (EAHC) Health Programme 2008-2013 (Sub-Action 3.1.2.1.: Response coordination in the face of chemical events).

Background

Across the EU there is a significant difference in Member States response capability to serious chemical health threats, particularly transboundary events (1) For serious events affecting public health, there are a number of legal requirements that have been put in place to notify others (e.g. WHO through International Health Regulations, 2). A European notification system to promote a rapid response to a chemical event (Rapid Alert System for Chemical Threats, RAS-CHEM) has been successfully developed (3). A set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines has been developed to govern the implementation and management of RAS-CHEM. However there is still a need to strengthen and streamline a harmonised approach to dealing with chemical incidents of cross border significance.

Objectives

European Chemical Emergency Network (ECHEMNET) will:

further develop an EU-level network of Member State representatives for ‘ad-hoc’ expert advice pertaining to emerging chemical emergencies

further develop the SOPs and guidelines for the assessment and management of transboundary events

engage with experts, end-users and stakeholders

test technical outputs with ‘developed’ and ‘live’ incidents.

The ECHEMNET project aims to encourage interest in the work within the poisons centres' and public health's communities. ECHEMNET welcomes interest in joining the project as a collaborative partner.

The project will ensure that a pilot network of expert risk assessors is formed, tested and functioning to aid in the co-ordinated response to serious transboundary chemical health threats.